MMC make shaky start

KATHMANDU, DEC 31 -
Khawas scores brace as Armymen defeat JYC 3-0
Laxmi Hyundai Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) opened the Martyrs Memorial Red Bull A Division League with a nervy 1-0 win over promoted side Boys Union Club (BUC) here at the Dashrath Stadium on Monday.

In the day’s second match, Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) blanked Samsung Jawalakhel Youth Club 3-0.

The 10th minute Sulabh Maskey goal separated the two teams in a match where both sides missed several easy goal scoring opportunities. Fed inside the area, Maskey beautifully controlled the ball, beat two defenders and fired at the far post beyond the reach of diving BUC custodian Raju Yogi Nagarkoti.

“We paid for our misfiring frontline players,” said former player and BUC coach Bijay Maharjan. “We missed too many easy chances due to lack of coordination,” added Maharjan. “Since the first match will always be difficult for any team, we hope to improve game as the league wears on.”

MMC should have doubled the lead in the 18th minute only for Kamal Shrestha to clear a weak but goal-bound ball from the line in Yona Elias’ attempt. BUC then wasted a wonderful opportunity to level the score in the 27th minute when set free inside the area with only MMC goalie to beat, Akeen Babatunde shot straight into the grateful hands of Bishal Shrestha.

Chances came thick and fast on both ends but none turned into goal. MMC forward Anil Gurung saw his attempt from edge of the area rolled agonisingly just wide at the far end in the 28th minute before Elias shot high over the bar in the 36th.

MMC got a lucky reprieve five minute from the interval when an alert goalie Bishal punched out on-the-move Rakesh Lama’s shot for a corner. Set free at the edge of the area with MMC custodian exposed, ABA Norbert should have done better for BUC than shooting straight into the hands of Bishal.

MMC coach Hari Om Shrestha also said that the first match was always going to be tough to any teams. MMC coach also partly blamed the under-par performance to the insufficient practice. “We had a ideal start and scored early on but had to fight hard after missing out on several goal scoring opportunities,” added the MMC coach.

In the second match of the day, Armyman Bharat Khawas struck twice and Nawayug added another against the hapless JYC.

National team striker Khawas opened the scoring in the 54th minute and Nawayug doubled the tally with a solo effort in the 79th minute. Khawas sealed the emphatic TAC victory adding his second goal of the game in the 89th minute. JYC custodian Bikesh Kuthu was partly at fault in both the goals scored by the Army striker.

Labels: Highlight, Sports